IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper is looking forward to facing les Bleus in their second round tie on Monday, believing that his side are capable of pulling off a shock win
Nigeria are not scared of France and are capable of beating them, according to Vincent Enyeama.
The West African nation went through as runners up in Group F, earning a last-16 berth despite a 3-2 defeat in their final group match against Argentina in Porto Alegre.
Stephen Keshi's side are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history and, despite coming up against a France side that have impressed so far, Enyeama feels that dream can become a reality.
"We fear nobody," the 31-year-old said in an interview with L'Equipe.
"We have a culture for football. It's our way of life. We work for that and we must show the world what we are capable of.
"France are favourites but anything could happen. I said before the tournament that playing them would be my dream fixture.
"To be honest, we have a great confidence in ourselves."
Enyeama, who has 93 caps for Nigeria, also spoke of his pride at captaining the national side, revelling in the burden of responsibility that the role brings.
"To be captain is one of the most important things in the world," the Lille shot stopper added.
"I don't know what it means in France, but in Nigeria, it means that you carry the team on your shoulders. If all is good, you will be praised - if it's not, you are to blame."
France and Nigeria face each other in the last 16 in Brasilia on Monday.
The German coach believes his side are capable of achieving a significant upset and have the confidence to overcome the Red Devils on Tuesday
Jurgen Klinsmann claims that the United States can dump Belgium out of the World Cup when the two sides meet in the last 16 in Salvador.
The US have upset the odds in the tournament so far, coming through Group G ahead of Ghana and Portugal after a 2-1 win and 2-2 draw against the two sides respectively.
Klinsmann was branded "un-American" by the US media before the World Cup for saying that winning the tournament was "just not realistic" for his side but has now talked up his team's chances against Marc Wilmots' outfit.
"We have enough confidence now going into this game – a very special one, a knockout game – to say we are able to beat them," the 49-year-old told a press conference.
"Belgium are one of the secret favourites in this World Cup because of the players, individual players, that they have," he said.
"We have absolutely no fear at all. We feel like we are in a position now to challenge. We believe we have built a foundation in our team that we are able to beat them.
"I was definitely not as happy as with the first two games with the performance they had against Germany Now, going into knockout games, everyone has to call up his 100 per cent for the team.
"I believe that in our team so far, nobody can claim that he reached his 100% yet.
"This is a very important message to the players, is that now [they must] prove it."
The former Germany striker, a World Cup winner in 1990, also spoke about the fitness of Jozy Altidore, who suffered a hamstring strain in the opening match with Ghana, and is hopeful the forward will be fit to play against Belgium.
"We are very optimistic [about Altidore's fitness]," he continued.
"Every day is a big step forward. Eleven days now and he's looking better every day."
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is optimistic that his national side have enough about them to bounce back from their World Cup elimination
Edinson Cavani is hopeful that Uruguay have a prosperous future ahead of them despite their elimination from the World Cup in Brazil.
The tournament started badly for the Celeste, who suffered an ignominious 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica in their opening Group D game.
Oscar Tabarez’s men bounced back, however, with consecutive victories over fellow former World Cup winners Italy and England.
The gloss was taken off their progression from the group stage, however, by Luis Suarez’s latest biting incident.
The striker was banned for the remainer of the tournament by Fifa after being found guilty of sinking his teeth into the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Shorn of their key attacking threat, Uruguay were impotent against Colombia in their last 16 clash and crashed out of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat.
Despite elimination, Cavani refuses to despair, however, and is keen to look to the future.
“This group of players have been working together for many years and have achieved wonderful and important things," Cavani was quoted as saying by FourFourTwo.
"It'll now depend on the coach [Oscar Tabarez] and the FA [to decide] on any changes that might be made.
"It's a fact that there are solid foundations, made up not only of great players but also great people.
"When you've got that, it's easier to keep building."
Uruguay’s vanquishers, Colombia, will now go on to face Brazil in the quarter-finals at the Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza on Friday July 4.
COMMENT: The Bayern Munich winger's theatrical move in the dying moments prompted the referee to award the crucial spot-kick that sent the Netherlands through, leaving Mexico irate
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
When Robin van Persie trudged off, seemingly frazzled in the Fortaleza heat, to be replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar it seemed that this would be the enduring image of the Netherlands’ 2014 World Cup exit, as they trailed 1-0 to Mexico with only 15 minutes remaining.
But Arjen Robben inspired Louis van Gaal’s side to react, though the manner from which Huntelaar’s decisive penalty was won by the Bayern Munich winger was controversial in the extreme.
Having watched Robben throw himself to the ground during Netherlands’ rare attacks in the first half, referee Pedro Proenca elected to award a stoppage-time penalty to the Dutch as the attacker theatrically collapsed to the deck under a challenge from Rafael Marquez.
Watching the incident on the big screen after the match, the remaining Mexico fans booed the act, and while it is likely some contact was made by the former Barcelona centre-back to the Dutchman’s boot, there can be little doubt that it did not merit the swan dive that it was subsequently met with.
It was an incident that soured an otherwise fine Dutch comeback.
Although they reached half-time scoreless and having edged possession, it had been the North Americans who had enjoyed by far the better moments, attacking dynamically down the left through Miguel Laylun and in the centre via Hector Herrera.
The rather peripheral figure of Giovani dos Santos gave them the initiative early in the second half with a searing shot, and as Van Persie faltered offensively and Guillermo Ochoa once again excelled, it appeared that this might be the match’s decisive act.
But Van Gaal gambled, withdrawing the ineffective Manchester United striker and replacing him with arch-poacher Huntelaar.
With two minutes of normal time remaining, Oranje still trailed, though when Mexico failed to adequately defend a corner kick it was the Schalke striker’s head down from which Wesley Sneijder pounced emphatically.
It was, however, primarily Robben who inspired the Dutch recovery. He would make several impressive surges down the flank throughout the match and had invited problems in the Mexico rearguard – perhaps the only member of his side to do so.
When invited to make one last burst down the right, Robben provided the game’s telling image. His initial spurt left the Mexican rearguard standing but as he checked back to beat Marquez, his flailing arms were enough to convince the Portuguese referee of the validity of his claim. It was not his first attempt at simulation, and perhaps if the referee had shown him a yellow card earlier, he may have thought twice about his match-defining moment.
It was an act of malevolent quick-wittedness sufficient to conquer the furnace of Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao and account finally for the impressive Mexican challenge.
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
Jun 29, 2014 7:43:00 PM
The Bayern Munich winger won a spot-kick in injury time to enable Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to score the winner but admitted going to ground too easily earlier in the match
Arjen Robben has apologised for diving during Netherland's dramatic comeback victory over Mexico in the World Cup round of 16 at Arena Castelao on Sunday.
Robben tormented the Mexican defence on numerous occasions with his pace, skill and direct running, and had several penalty appeals turned down before finally winning a spot-kick in the second minute of injury time when he went down under a challenge from Rafael Marquez.
Substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted from 12 yards to send the Oranje into the last eight of the tournament, after Giovani dos Santos' opener had been cancelled out by a late Wesley Sneijder equaliser.
After the match Robben insisted the incident which won the game was a justified penalty, but admitted going to ground far too easily on one occasion in the first half.
"I have to be honest and must apologise," he told NOS. "One of the moments in the first half was a dive. Sometimes you get kicked, but that was not the case at that particular moment. I shouldn't have done that and I'm really upset with myself about it. It was a silly action.
"The other one inthe first half was a clear penalty. If that's not a spot-kick, then what is...
"The one at the end was a just penalty call as well."
Robben also revealed why he entrusted Huntelaar with the responsibility of the penalty rather than taking it himself.
"Usually I am comfortable with taking a penalty, but this time I was the one who was tackled," he explained. "I felt comfortable that Huntelaar would capitalise.
"It was his moment, he deserved this. I'm almost crying from the emotions. The feeling is so strong, we want to win this, to fight together. These youngsters ... I am so proud."
The former America boss was furious that Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca failed to caution Arjen Robben for diving and then awarded the winger a decisive late penalty
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
Miguel Herrera insisted his Mexico side were eliminated from the World Cup by refereeing decisions after Sunday's dramatic late defeat to Netherlands.
El Tri led through a long-range Giovani dos Santos strike but Wesley Sneijder brought the Dutch level two minutes from the end of normal time and, in the second minute of injury time, referee Pedro Proenca pointed to the spot after Arjen Robben was deemed to have been felled by Rafael Marquez, with substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converting.
After the match Herrera was furious that Robben had been awarded the decision, claiming the Bayern Munich man had been diving throughout the match without punishment.
When asked why his team had lost, the Mexico coach replied: "The reason was the referee. He put us out of the next stage. As I said, the first goal was due to a mistake on our part.
"But if the referees start giving fouls that they invent then you leave the World Cup due to events alien to you. In four of the games here, three of them saw referees against Mexico.
"At least we expect that the refereeing committee looks at this and the referee goes home just like us.
"[Robben] dived three times, and the referee should have booked him the first time. The referee should go back and caution the guy who tried to cheat. If that’s the case Robben doesn’t do it the second time.
"If you don’t do anything the first time, the player knows he won’t be sent off.
"When they send a referee from the confederation which is the same as the opponent then you have to start questioning why they bring referees from other confederations such as Asia, Africa etc."
Van Gaal relieved after Netherlands 'escape' against Mexico
Jun 29, 2014 9:30:00 PM
Holland beat Mexico 2-1 in their World Cup round of 16 clash in Fortaleza after a dramatic late penalty converted by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
By Luis Herrera in Fortaleza
Louis Van Gaal admits the Netherlands had an ‘escape’ in their World Cup last 16 victory over Mexico and has strongly refuted suggestions his side are favourites to reach the semi-final.
Holland set up a quarter-final clash against either Greece or Costa Rica with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexico in Fortaleza on Sunday thanks a penalty in added time from substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Wesley Sneijder had equalised just two minutes before the end of the 90 minutes after Giovani dos Santos had put the Miguel Herrera’s men ahead early in the second-half.
“It was an escape yes, but in the second half we showed we could create many opportunities,” said Van Gaal.
“It’s always food for thought, we will analyse the next opponents and see what’s best to do. It’s not only to do with our qualities but also those of our opponents.”
Van Gaal was delighted with the Netherlands’ victory but was quick to play down the suggestion that they will be clear favourites to win their quarter-final match in Salvador next Saturday.
“The Dutch media thought we’d never survive the first round so how have we ended up becoming the favourite? I don’t get it.
“The players are very modest, we will carry on, we have an outstanding team spirit which led to this win. Whether it’s Costa Rica or Greece, these are very difficult opponents to beat.”
Holland were dealt a blow when midfielder Nigel De Jong was substituted after just nine minutes with a groin injury against Mexico.
Van Gaal believes it will be “difficult” for De Jong to recover in time for Saturday’s match but confirmed that Robin Van Persie was substituted in the second-half for tactical reasons rather than due to injury concerns.
“De Jong? I don’t know yet, we’ll have to look into that. It will be difficult for the next match,” added the Dutch coach. “But with Van Persie it was a tactical substitution.”
Costa Rica 1-1 Greece AET (Pens 5-3): Navas the hero as Central Americans make World Cup history
Jun 29, 2014 11:58:00 PM
Jorge Luis Pinto's side battled to another astounding victory as they secured a shoot-out triumph despite playing close to an hour with 10 men
Costa Rica kept their World Cup dream alive as they beat Greece on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the last 16 on Sunday.
Earmarked as whipping boys having been drawn alongside England, Italy and Uruguay in Group D, Jorge Luis Pinto's men shocked the world by winning the pool with a haul of seven points.
And another chapter was written in their remarkable story in Recife on Sunday as, following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, they triumphed in the shootout against a Greece side who know all about beating the odds following their Euro 2004 victory 10 years ago.
That Costa Rica even forced spot-kicks was incredible given they suffered the heartbreak of seeing Sokratis Papastathopoulos force extra time with a last-gasp strike.
At that stage, it appeared Oscar Duarte's 66th-minute sending off, which came after Bryan Ruiz put the South Americans ahead, would prove decisive.
But having produced a string of stunning saves to deny Greece in outfield play, Keylor Navas was the hero of the shootout as he kept out Theofanis Gekas' effort.
Despite the pressure of attempting to take Costa Rica to the quarter-finals for the first time, Michael Umana then coolly converted to set up a last-eight meeting with Netherlands.
The game initially lived up to its billing of vibrant attack meeting dogged defence as Costa Rica surged forward with verve.
Costa Rica's endeavour almost brought early reward, too, when Christian Bolanos powerfully struck over from a tight angle.
Greece enjoyed a good spell themselves thereafter, although their final ball left a lot to be desired.
That was also the story at the other end as Costa Rica failed to make the most of good openings with the match becoming increasingly stretched.
When a good delivery finally did come, it almost brought an opener as Jose Holebas' superb left-wing cross to the back post located Dimitris Salpingidis, whose cushioned finish was brilliantly kept out by Navas' right foot.
That was the sole bright moment of a largely turgid first period, yet Costa Rica ensured the second would be decidedly more exciting by scoring in the 52nd minute.
Ruiz was the man to find the net, his fortuitous finish from 20 yards wrong-footing goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis following Bolanos' slide-rule pass.
Seemingly holding all of the aces at that stage, Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men midway through the second period when Duarte was sent off for a second bookable offence following an ill-judged sliding challenge on Holebas.
Suddenly sparked into life, Greece pressed forward in numbers and got their equaliser in the 91st minute when Papastathopoulos rifled home after Navas had produced a fine save to deny Gekas.
Costa Rican disappointment quickly turned to relief, however, when Navas produced a stunning save to turn Konstantinos Mitroglou's header over the crossbar.
Inspired by the efforts of their goalkeeper, Costa Rica's defenders were similarly heroic in the first period of extra-time, producing a host of crucial late blocks.
Remarkably, it was the 10 men prospering in the second half - although Greece missed the best chance when Lazaros Christodoulopoulos hit straight at Navas following a quick counterattack in which Fernando Santos' side had a five-on-two chance in their favour.
There was still time for one last opening, too, as Navas produced another fine save, this time denying Mitroglou from point-blank range.
An impressive shootout ensued as the first seven were converted until Navas athletically kept out Gekas.
Umana then made no mistake, his conversion sending the Costa Rican supporters into delirium.
We have to prove our greatness, says Germany captain Lahm
By Ed Dove
Jun 29, 2014 10:03:00 PM
The Bayern Munich man has warned his team-mates to show that they belong in the final stages of the World Cup ahead of their match with Algeria
Phillip Lahm has called on Germany to prove they are "a great team" as they prepare for their World Cup last-16 match with Algeria.
Germany topped Group G after thrashing Portugal 4-0, drawing 2-2 with Ghana and beating the United States 1-0, though their final two performances failed to reach the high standard of their opening rout of the Seleccao.
In a tournament full of surprises, Lahm is keen that Germany do not join some of the other big names to have already returned home.
"We don't want to have the problems the other teams had," the captain began, speaking in a press conference on Sunday. "Maybe try to end [the match] before the 90[th minute]. These so-called 'small' countries imposed difficulties until now, so now we know how hard it can be.
"Germany has won three World Cups, not so many teams have done that. We have great potential, tomorrow we'll see if that's enough. We have to play aggressively, like we did against the US.
"They say we're a great team, so we have to prove it on the pitch tomorrow."
Algeria have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far, having blown away South Korea before securing a 1-1 draw with Russia to book their place in the next round.
"We analysed them, we saw videos," Lahm said of his side's second-round opponents. "It's a team that wants to show that they deserve to be here in the round of 16. They don't want to lose a singe duel, and [they will] dispute every ball.
"You have to win, or go home. Algeria will go for the win, they want to show why they've got to here."
Despite urging his side not to underestimate Algeria, Lahm has called on his team-mates to be daring in attack as they look to "unleash" their own qualities in Porto Alegre.
"We want to unleash our performance, defend well, attack aggressively," said the Bayern Munich man.
"We have a series of players adapted to more positions. Football changed in the last few years, you need quick, skilled players; you need versatility. We have to look at every possibility, there's always an opponent that can surprise you, and beat you."
By Kris Voakes in Mogi das Cruzes
Jun 29, 2014 9:50:00 PM
The Everton star says his club colleague is one of the world's best goalkeepers, but he hopes to use his knowledge of the USA number one to Belgium's benefit on Tuesday
Kevin Mirallas believes Tim Howard is one of the world’s best goalkeepers, but he hopes to pick on his Everton team-mate's weaknesses when Belgium and USAcome head-to-head on Tuesday.
The two sides face off in the World Cup round of 16 in Fortaleza, and Mirallas is keen to make things as difficult as possible for the US shot-stopper in a bid to fire Belgium into the quarter-finals.
"Me and Tim have a good relationship. We've known each other for two years and he is a great guy. A superb goalkeeper," Mirallas told reporters at Belgium's World Cup training base. "Today, I will call him and talk with him a bit about Tuesday's match and we will just laugh.
"I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, along with Thibaut Courtois. I think they are two very good keepers. With Tim, I know his qualities but I also know his weaknesses. I hope that will benefit my team."
Belgium are one of only four teams left in the tournament boasting a 100 per cent record, and Mirallas insists that their 12-year drought without competing in a major championship is a positive rather than a negative.
"We are more excited than nervous. This is the first time these players have played in the last 16. We feel good, and we know that we have an entire country behind us.
"I hope we will continue to make people dream and make history for our country."
As a lively attacker, Mirallas is happy to see that technically-gifted players have been afforded a degree of protection so far at this World Cup.
"Since the beginning of the tournament, referees have been trying to protect players who are technically strong," observed the 26-year-old.
"It is never easy for them because there is a lot of contact in the World Cup. But so far there have not been too many mistakes. I hope that will continue."
Belgium's clash with USA on Tuesday kicks off at 22:00CET at Arena Fonte Nova.
By Kris Voakes in Mogi das Cruzes
Jun 29, 2014 8:53:00 PM
The Belgium defender says he is far from blown away by his former Bayern boss' work with the US national team
Daniel van Buyten has hit out at his 'unimpressive' former Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann as the two get set to come head-to-head in the World Cup on Tuesday.
Van Buyten's Belgium will take on the USA – who are coached by the former Germany boss – in the round of 16 in Salvador, bringing the two men together five years after Klinsmann was sacked by FCB.
The 36-year-old previously blasted Klinsmann for going back on his word during his time as Bayern coach, leaving the defender out of a key Champions League game against Sporting Lisbon having earlier told him he would start.
And, while many have lauded the German's impact on international football, the Red Devils defender insists there is nothing special about his former boss’ approach.
"I am not impressed by Klinsmann. He is just a coach who knows how to conduct his group and get the maximum out of them by motivating them. The USA will certainly be organised," Van Buyten told reporters at Belgium's World Cup training base.
"He talks a lot about us, saying that we are favourites, but I think he thinks otherwise.
"They will be motivated and want to do everything possible to go into the quarter-finals. But that will also be the case for us.
"I hope it will be a good match and we will qualify."
The reigning Bundesliga champion is the only player in the Belgium squad to have appeared at an international tournament prior to this World Cup, and he has been using his experience to help some of the younger squad members get used to the atmosphere in the camp.
"We are the youngest team at the World Cup, and I try to talk a lot with the young players so that they can be more free," Van Buyten added. "But it's not always easy to stay cool and calm, and that is the issue. This is the World Cup, it is not obvious.
"But I hope the next game will go well and that the young players are comfortable enough to give the best of themselves."
Chelsea midfielder has stressed that it's all about the team rather than about individual glory, while Stephen Keshi has stressed he doesn't have any problems with Victor Moses
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Nigeria star John Obi Mikel has insisted that the team is all that matters for Stephen Keshi's men and that none of the players are looking for individual glory, saying that no-one wants to be the African side's Diego Maradona.
Previous Super Eagles squad contained stars such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini and Daniel Amokachi, yet the current crop of players has impressed with their togetherness rather than with individual quality.
Mikel and Ahmed Musa - who netted twice against Argentina - have been touted as Nigeria's biggest stars, yet the Chelsea midfielder has stressed that he's not thinking about individual success.
"I only care about the team. Nobody wants to be the Maradona of this team," Mikel said at a press conference ahead of Nigeria's round of 16 game against France.
"We don’t want to be talking about individuals. We all want to do our utmost for the team and I will keep giving my all."
Nigeria's preparation for Sunday's match against the French was marred by a row over appearance fees, with Keshi's men boycotting training the day before their trip to Brasilia, yet Mikel has insisted there were never any real issues.
"There were no major problems over money, just some little discussions. It’s what happens in football. I play for Chelsea and I know how these things work. They happen everywhere.
"Things were quickly sorted and this will not affect our focus for the game. There were never any massive problems."
France have impressed so far this World Cup with some sublime performances in the group stages and Mikel expects a tight encounter at the Estadio Mane Garrincha.
"It will be a spectacular game and we are very motivated. The match could be decided by details. It will be a close encounter.
"I have played against some of the France players before in the Champions League. The coaches have also done their homework on how to approach the game and have given us all the details we need."
Meanwhile, head coach Stephen Keshi was full of respect for France as well ahead of their round of 16 encounter.
"The France players all play at big clubs across the world and [Didier] Deschamps has plenty of options. They have started the tournament really well. It will be a very difficult game.
"The players are all aware of what happened early on against Argentina in the gruop stages. We came out differently after the break. I hope we can take this experience with us toward the match against France.
"It has been a very open tournament. You can never predict what will happen. Look at the Netherlands game [against Mexico] and what happened. Even Brazil are not guaranteed anything. It’s been a wonderful tournament."
Keshi has so far been reluctant to use star attacker Victor Moses, leading to suggestions that the duo have fallen out, but the Nigeria boss has stressed he doesn't have any problems with the Chelsea man, who was on loan at Liverpool last season.
"There is no problem with Moses. We have a lot of good players and I can play anybody I want.
European sides lack a will to win, claims Algeria boss Halilhodzic
By Ed Dove
Jun 30, 2014 1:07:00 AM
The 61-year-old has turned up the heat on Germany ahead of their World Cup last-16 encounter as he suggested that Spain and England's early exits were not surprising
Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic has questioned the motivation of the European teams at the World Cup ahead of his side's last-16 clash with Germany on Monday.
Les Fennecs have impressed so far this summer, and escaped from Group H after victory over South Korea and a draw with Russia saw them progress behind Belgium.
They now face Germany, who topped Group G with seven points, but Halilhodzic has piled the pressure on Joachim Low's side by suggesting that European teams - including Spain and England, who suffered ignominious group-stage exits - lack the same will to win as others in Brazil.
"It wasn't a surprise, for me, that England got knocked out," he said, speaking to a press conference. "There was some saturation for them, they just came from a tiring season.
"There's also a lack of motivation I've seen in the European teams, some psychological issues. Some players aren't really willing to win, they didn't give their all.
"[There was a] Lack of ambition for Spain, they won absolutely everything they had over the last decade."
Halilhodzic did, however, warn of the challenge that awaits them against Germany - though he maintains they are under less pressure.
"It's an historic match against a great opponent, it doesn’t matter if its 45 degrees," he said of the clash, which is expected to be played in stifling conditions. "My players have to be motivated, otherwise we won't have a chance.
"We have to control the ball, and we know the qualities of this German team. For us, it will be very challenging.
"They are favourites for tomorrow, but Algeria is capable of surprising. We are confident, and are improving at every match.
"Tomorrow we'll have nothing to lose, not like it was against Russia."
Should Algeria manage to overcome Germany, they will face either France or Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
The coach says fatigue was the main reason for his side’s second-round elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Costa Rica
Fernando Santos has accused Greece of lacking organisation as they failed to beat Costa Rica before succumbing in the penalty shoot-out in their second-round match in Recife.
Even though Costa Rica played the last 24 minutes of regular time and then extra time with only ten men following the dismissal of Oscar Duarte, Greece were unable to break them down and went on to lose 5-3 on penalties.
And Santos insists his players were completely drained by the time extra-time began.
"Of course in extra time we had no organisation and our minds were not sharp due to exhaustion," Santos said. "We tried to push every way we could to score another goal but in the end it went to a shoot-out."
The first seven penalty takers all put their spot-kicks away, before Keylor Navas capped off a valiant display by saving Theofanis Gekas’ effort and the Greece coach praised the goalkeeper.
"Navas was brilliant," he added. "Without him, the outcome would have been different."
The manager also discussed his sending off, which occurred just before the shoot-out, following an argument with referee Ben Williams.
"It was inexplicable. I can't figure out why. I said something very simple to the referee, that I had walked on to the pitch after the final whistle of extra time to support my players.
"I saw the Costa Ricans did the same but I was punished and sent to the stands."
The Ticos now advance to face Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Saturday July 5 at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. It is the first-ever time that Costa Rica have appeared in the last eight at the World Cup.
The Netherlands midfielder is set to miss his side’s quarter-final against Costa Rica because of a groin strain but could be kept out for the remainder of the tournament
Netherlands may have to play the remainder of their World Cup campaign without Nigel de Jong, Louis van Gaal has revealed.
The midfielder, one of the Oranje's best players in the group stages, was substituted just 10 minutes into his team's 2-1 win over Mexico in the second round as he suffered a groin strain.
And Van Gaal admitted that the midfielder is expected to miss the quarter-final meeting with Costa Rica, but is worried that he may not feature again in the tournament.
"De Jong had a small groin strain and I was forced to substitute him," van Gaal explained after the match.
"It's serious. I fear that it's over [for him].
"I don't know if he will be available for the quarter-final, though to be honest it's very unlikely he will be able to play the next match.
"He is one of my most important players, so this is an enormous loss for us."
France 2-0 Nigeria: Pogba breaks Super Eagles' hearts
Jun 30, 2014 6:53:00 PM
Les Bleus are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after two second-half goals downed their African opponents
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama went from hero to zero as his error helped France to a 2-0 World Cup last-16 triumph.
Enyeama, who plies his trade with Lille in the French top flight, made sensational saves from Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba, but the latter capitalised when the keeper flapped at a 79th-minute corner to book a quarter-final place.
A Jospeh Yobo own goal in stoppage time further compounded Nigeria's late misery.
The African nation entered the match under the cloud of a dispute over bonus payments with the Nigeria Football Federation, but Stephen Keshi's men played a full part in an entertaining goalless first half.
Emmanuel Emenike thought he put Nigeria ahead, only to fall foul of a marginal offside call, while a stunning stop by Enyeama somehow prevented Pogba from volleying France in front.
As in the first half, France weathered pressure and finished stronger - Victor Moses' goal-line clearance and further heroics from Enyeama denying Benzema either side of Yohan Cabaye clattering the crossbar.
And Pogba headed into an unguarded net before Yobo put through his own net to set up a last-eight tie for France against either Germany or Algeria on Friday.
Nigeria's pace and drive in attack left France disorganised early on and when Olivier Giroud hacked over from Benzema's 15th-minute pass, it marked a rare moment of encouragement for Didier Deschamps' team.
Emenike was similarly off-target from a promisingly-placed free-kick, before the Nigeria forward was denied by a 19th-minute offside flag.
France right-back Mathieu Debuchy breathed a sigh of relief having horribly sliced a clearance to Ahmed Musa, whose low cross was touched home by Emenike at the near post.
Enyeama made a remarkable reaction save after Pogba drove forward and smashed a 23rd-minute volley goalwards on the end of Mathieu Valbuena's return cross.
A drop in tempo around the half-hour mark clearly suited France, but Debuchy could not capitalise when a patient spell of possession sent a half-chance his way.
The Newcastle United defender was wasteful again in the 40th minute having been teed up by the impressive Valbuena.
A frantic close to the half matched its opening, with France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris far from convincing behind a speculative Emenike drive.
Peter Odemwingie - the match-winner in Nigeria's decisive Group F victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina - tested Lloris with a 65th-minute drive that bounced awkwardly, while tension in the French ranks was increasingly shown by sloppy errors in possession.
But Deschamps' men came agonisingly close to leading with 20 minutes left as Benzema exchanged passes with Giroud's replacement Antoine Griezmann.
The Real Madrid forward's effort was partially stopped by Enyeama and Moses was back to hack clear as the ball looped towards the net.
Benzema's low cross was cleared for Cabaye to thunder a rasping shot against the bar and Enyeama excelled himself again to keep out a Benzema header.
But he erred from Valbuena's resulting corner as France took the lead, making a later outstanding stop to thwart Griezmann seem particularly cruel.
Nigeria's defence became disjointed in the closing minutes and Yobo's own goal under pressure from Griezmann made the defender's 100th cap one to forget.
The last five times that France have taken part in the knockout stages of the World Cup, they have reached the semi-finals or better. Now Germany or Algeria stand between this sequence continuing.
Germany 2-1 Algeria (AET): Schurrle and Ozil ensure Low's side scrape through
Jun 30, 2014 11:32:00 PM
The Chelsea forward turned home Thomas Muller's cross before the Arsenal playmaker fired in just before Abdelmoumene Djabou scored a consolation in the dying seconds
Germany secured a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil struck in extra-time to seal a win 2-1 over Algeria on Monday.
After a pulsating 90 minutes in Porto Alegre had ended goalless, Chelsea forward Schurrle - on as a half-time substitute for Mario Gotze - cleverly flicked in Thomas Muller's low cross two minutes into extra-time to give Germany the lead.
Ozil added a second late on to wrap up victory for Joachim Low's side, before Algeria, who performed admirably throughout, gained a consolation through Abdelmoumene Djabou.
The result meant Algeria were unable to exact revenge for the "Disgrace of Gijon", when West Germany and Austria played out a mutually beneficial 1-0 scoreline that saw both sides through from the group at the expense of Algeria in the 1982 finals in Spain.
With many pointing to that infamous match as motivation for Vahid Halilhodzic's men in the build-up, Algeria flew out of the blocks in the opening 20 minutes, cutting through the German backline on a number of occasions and seeing an Islam Slimani goal disallowed for offside.
The African nation - making their first appearance in the second round - continued to impress, but Germany, who will now face France at the Maracana on Friday, finished the stronger and remain on course to reach the semi-finals of a fourth successive World Cup.
Algeria made a flying start and Manuel Neuer had to make a sliding tackle to deny Slimani an effort on goal from wide on the left in the ninth minute, after the goalkeeper had initially misjudged a charge from his line.
Sofiane Feghouli wasted a good position six minutes later, blazing the ball wildly across goal from the byline with two team-mates better placed.
Slimani converted Faouzi Ghoulam's wonderful cross from the left with a diving header in the 17th minute, but the referee's assistant correctly ruled that the Sporting Lisbon man had strayed offside, before Ghoulam flashed another effort narrowly off target as Algeria continued to dominate.
Germany gradually grew into the game towards the end of the first half, Muller heading wide and Ozil testing Rais M'Bolhi with a dipping effort.
Yet Algeria hit back in the 39th minute, Mehdi Mostefa thumping in a shot from 25 yards which deflected off Jerome Boateng and past the left-hand post with Neuer completely wrong-footed.
M'Bolhi made a superb double stop two minutes later, parrying Toni Kroos' drive away and then springing to his feet to keep out Gotze's rebound.
Germany enjoyed a more assured opening to the second period, Schurrle seeing an effort deflected just wide before Skhodran Mustafi, who replaced Mats Hummels in defence with Boateng switching to centre-back, headed straight at M'Bolhi from Kroos' delivery.
Philipp Lahm went close in the 55th minute, his curling effort diverted wide by an acrobatic save from M'Bolhi.
As the game wore on the play became stretched and Slimani sent a rasping effort from distance straight into the arms of Neuer 15 minutes from time.
Germany responded strongly and Muller ought to have scored his fifth goal of the tournament shortly afterwards, but his powerful header was beaten away by M'Bolhi.
Muller had another clear chance moments later, stabbing the ball wide after a glorious touch to bring the ball under control, while Bastian Schweinsteiger was unable to seriously trouble M'Bolhi with a weak header from Lahm's chipped pass.
Low's side then struck early in the first extra period, Schurrle adjusting brilliantly to backheel Muller's cross from the left into the net.
Algeria could have levelled through Mostefa, who snatched an effort wide from 10 yards after Germany failed to deal with a corner.
Ozil then made the game safe in the closing stages, lashing high into the net after Schurrle had been denied just in front of the goalline by Essaid Belkalem, although there was one final twist as Djabou converted a right-wing cross at the back post to net a deserved consolation for Algeria.
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Jun 30, 2014 8:23:00 PM
The Super Eagles coach feels the official played a major role in his side's World Cup elimination at the hands of France
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has hit out at referee Mark Geiger in the wake of his side's 2-0 World Cup round-of-16 loss against France at Estadio Mane Garrincha on Monday.
The official failed to spot an alleged elbow from Olivier Giroud against John Obi Mikel, while he opted to show Blaise Matuidi a yellow card rather than a red card after a reckless tackle on Ogenyi Onazi in midfield, after the Lazio man had already sustained a knock following a collision with Paul Pogba.
Emmanuel Emenike also saw a goal disallowed for offside during the first half when replays apeeared to show he was level with Patrice Evra, leaving Keshi less than impressed with the officials.
"The referee made a lot of mistakes and that is questionable. I am not happy with it," the 52-year-old fumed at the post-match press conference.
"He was not good. He is a human being, but it was not good. He decides what's happening on the pitch.
"Onazi was tackled recklessly twice. He will be out for weeks. But the referee didn't do anything.
"This is the first time ever I talk about a referee like this, but he was bad.
"I wasn't sure [Emenike]'s disallowed goal was offside and would love to know why the referee cancelled it.
"It's painful to lose like this. I don't think we deserved to lose like this. But that's football."
As a parting message, Keshi thanked the Brasilia contingent for their support against les Bleus and suggested that the Super Eagles felt almost like the host nation at times during the tournament.
"I cannot ask for a better support than what we got today from the Brazilians. They were wonderful and were always behind us. It's almost as if we were a Brazilian team. I thank them for everything."
The Super Eagles bowed out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage on Monday and their boss has stepped aside from the hotseat
Stephen Keshi has resigned as head coach of Nigeria following their World Cup elimination at the hands of France.
The Super Eagles could not progress past the last 16 of the tournament, losing 2-0 to les Bleus on Monday thanks to a Paul Pogba header and a Joseph Yobo own goal, both of which came late in the game.
Yobo, who picked up his 100th cap against France, announced his retirement to gathered media after the match, although his coach was reluctant to publically confirm he would step down.
However, Keshi is believed to have told Nigerian players following the Afcon champions' exit that he will leave the Super Eagles hotseat with their World Cup now over.
Keshi has stepped aside before only be to convinced to return, after the Confederations Cup last summer, but is set to move on to pastures new, with the post as South Africa coach identified as a possible alternative.
